Harmison gets the reaction he wanted from Ashington players

Brian Bennett – Ashington FC correspondent

Ashington manager Steve Harmison was full of praise for his squad on Tuesday evening after the 1-0 win over Guisborough booked a place in the semi-finals of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup.

Harmison, who had rebuked the players after a dismal second half performance at Consett last weekend, believed they got their just rewards following Joe Moscrop’s 39th minute strike.

I thought we got our just rewards because it was a well worked goal and was the difference between the teams

Steve Harmison, Ashington FC manager

He said: “It was mentioned to the players beforehand that when we play for 90 minutes we have won games; when we play for 45 minutes we have still been in the contests or indeed have lost games.

“Tonight I could not fault there effort, endeavour and desire.

“Conditions were horrible for both sides and I’m not sure whether it was harder to kick with the wind or against it.

“It was a tough night for both teams, who I thought defended really well against the wind, but we just got the rub of the green.”

And Harmison applauded the all important winner.

“The goal which decided the outcome was a good one, and exactly what we asked for,” he said.

“We have got a couple of different options when we play set pieces into the box.

“We have the centre halves and striker Glen Taylor, and they are hard to pick up.

“Guisborough put all of their eggs into one basket looking for Taylor and we managed to get Kyle Oliver around the back and he knocked the ball across for Moscrop to finish.”

He continued: “I’m pleased for Joe and new signing John Bone. The latter has played the last couple of seasons three leagues below us and I thought he handled himself very well and did an excellent job for the team, whilst Moscrop has been doing the same for the Colliers and he has been asked to play in positions which were not suiting him – left and right side of midfield – and he’s a centre forward.

“The pair have played against arguably one of the best footballing teams in the league in Guisborough, Moscrop has scored a goal and Bone has done himself credit.”

Harmison was also appreciative for the co-operation from AFC Newbiggin.

He added: “A big thank you must go to AFC Newbiggin for allowing John Bone to play for us.

“They are going for a league title and are in a cup final, which is being held at Ashington, and at a moment’s notice last week they agreed to a friendly against us when we were looking to get some of our players game time.”

Harmison admitted that it was a massive and collective effort which saw his side through.

“I thought we got our just rewards because it was a well worked goal and was the difference between the teams,” he said.

“I thought the back five did well again, although I don’t want to single anybody out.

“Credit must stay with the lads in the dressing room. It was a massive effort by everybody tonight and that is now three 1-0 wins at home.”

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